America: My Time

Chapter 1584 Neon's Countermeasure

Chapter 1574 Neon's Countermeasures
Watching the group leave, John shook his head. While they seemed to be apologizing, they were actually testing his intentions. Otherwise, they wouldn't have acted this way. And it was precisely because of their behavior that John's insane idea became more feasible. He wasn't afraid of their greed; he was afraid of their lack of greed. As long as they had ambition, success was easy. These Japanese guys only saw John's enormous profits on Sakhalin Island, but they failed to see the hidden dangers behind it.

Since the change of president in Russia, Russia's attitude has changed, especially internally. Once Russia has sorted things out internally, will foreign investors like John still be so carefree? Asian energy can still retain the resources of Sakhalin Island. Even Middle Eastern tycoons were able to reclaim energy resources back then, so Russia can certainly do it too. John was already prepared! Now that these guys in Japan have their own ideas, going with the flow isn't a bad choice!

Just as John was thinking, Naoko returned to the living room. John wouldn't personally see the Japanese guys off because they weren't qualified, but Naoko couldn't. She represented John in seeing them off, so at least they wouldn't be laughed at for their manners, wouldn't give anyone a handle to use against them, and wouldn't let the Japanese guys think John was disrespecting them!
Of course, this is also for show. While it may seem like no one is paying attention on the surface, many are secretly watching the Japanese trip. Many want to know John's attitude, especially the Koreans. After all, when Asian energy cut off their energy supply, they suffered greatly and understand the pain of having energy in someone else's hands. If Japan is also suppressed now, it will benefit them.

"Why are you worried? Or do you think my refusal will cause some trouble?" Seeing Naoko's worried look, John smiled calmly. After all, those guys were representatives of the Japanese government. It was normal for Naoko to be worried about John's refusal. After all, it wouldn't be long before Martin would start to participate in the management of the company, and she naturally needed to consider the situation in Japan!

"Yes, I do have some concerns. After all, they represent the government, and to refuse them so directly would be a bit embarrassing and impolite." Naoko didn't hide her thoughts, as they were clearly written on her face. Moreover, lying to John would only lower her status, and she wouldn't do something so foolish!

"There's no need to worry. As for Martin Jr., there's still time to make arrangements. Are you sure Martin Jr. will take over those assets in Japan? Are you sure Martin Jr. will focus his energy on Japan? He has his own path. If he has no ability, no matter how much he plans, it's useless. If he has ability, he will naturally have more options!"

Upon hearing John's words, Naoko was taken aback, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes. However, she would not interfere with Martin's arrangements, because John had already arranged everything for them. Ultimately, how well they could achieve depended on their own abilities; without ability, it was impossible to gain John's approval!
Many people believe that John values ​​the Japanese market and investments highly, while considering South Korea insignificant. However, they are mistaken. Before the Asian financial crisis, John did indeed value the Japanese market and investments. But after the financial crisis, John no longer prioritized the Japanese market and instead focused more on South Korea. Otherwise, John wouldn't have targeted South Korea so aggressively. Unfortunately, no one seems to have grasped this point!
Japan seems to be doing well, with a strong economy, but it's declining while South Korea is on the rise. Furthermore, Japan's geographical location is poor; a single misstep could wipe out all investments. In comparison, South Korea is much safer and easier to manage than Japan.

The South Korean conglomerates haven't reached their limit of madness yet. Once they do, they'll be unable to escape the control of the United States, and I can gradually integrate into South Korea and no longer be ostracized, since our interests will be intertwined at that time.

Before the Asian financial crisis, investing in Japan was risk-free, but after the crisis, things became much more complicated. As Japan's economy continued its rapid expansion, it gradually fell into difficulties. This is why John focuses on soft industries like retail and media entertainment, because these sectors are less likely to be affected by the Japanese economy.
Asian energy companies are interested in selling off Japan's oil refineries, but the timing isn't right yet, as oil prices haven't skyrocketed. John intends to test the waters to see if the Japanese are interested. While Momoko Kikuchi has taken over John's assets in Japan and is restructuring the conglomerate, she doesn't have a firm grasp on its true direction. John has always maintained control, and clearing out the heavy industrial assets is his next task! John's plan is to ultimately retain only the research and development facilities, abandoning all the Japanese factories and keeping only the Japanese production facilities.

If those guys in Japan knew about John's plan, they would probably be incredibly excited. They have always wanted to drive John out of many industries in Japan, and energy is one of them. John has already gained a significant share of the energy sector in Japan, which makes his subordinates uneasy. However, they are not yet aware of John's scheme!

While John was talking with Naoko, the Japanese guys immediately contacted the Japanese authorities upon returning, giving their superiors a full account of everything. This caused quite a stir in Japan. The Japanese were all waiting for their reply, but upon learning John's attitude, they all frowned!

"Impossible! This is completely different from what we envisioned. If John is not satisfied with our sincerity, then we will have to pay an even greater price, which is something we are unwilling to accept and cannot afford. After all, further losses will have a significant impact on our various conglomerates!" Good heavens, these guys from the conglomerates made their choice immediately. They didn't want to pay any more price; the previous price was already their bottom line!
"Gentlemen, didn't you glean something from this conversation? Don't you think that what Mr. John wants isn't assets, but rather an attitude? His dissatisfaction with the personnel we assigned isn't due to a lack of assets. Furthermore, Mr. John's words also left us some opportunities. Perhaps if we can reach an agreement with Mr. John, we'll have a chance to participate in the development of Sakhalin Island!"

"Hahaha, only you would think like that. Do you think John is a fool who would give us benefits for nothing? That's Sakhalin Island. Don't you know how much benefit there is? What reason do you think he has to cooperate with us? Even if he were to cooperate, wouldn't it be easier for Russia? Plus, we could win Russia's favor!"

Someone scoffed and retorted, believing that the guy's statement was completely unfounded. How could John easily share such a huge benefit with others, especially with them? This was unlike John's usual attitude!
"No, it's not that I'm overthinking it, there's a reason for it. Perhaps you think Mr. John has always been very assertive, so you think this is impossible, but if you think carefully about Mr. John's plans during this period, you won't have such thoughts anymore."

"Oh! Did you notice something? Just say what you have to say. There's no need to be so secretive. We're all on the same side here. I'm sure no one can resist the temptation of profit!"

"I won't say much about the attitude of the Russian side, everyone knows it. But the changes on the Korean side may have changed Mr. John's mind. After all, Mr. John has also suffered losses from the Korean counterattack. At least Asian Energy's losses are not small, and it even forced Asian Energy to dismantle the undersea oil pipeline. We have done the same thing. Do you think Mr. John is worried that we will also refuse to cooperate with Asian Energy, and how much he will lose? Don't forget that Mr. John is still continuing the asset restructuring!"

"Impossible! You're insane! Do you know what you're saying? If we refuse, Japan will immediately face an energy crisis, and we'll be in a worse situation than South Korea. We need far more energy than South Korea. If we really anger Mr. John, do you think the Middle Eastern tycoons will change their tune? And I don't believe you haven't noticed the Americans' moves. They've been laying the groundwork for energy. Making such a decision at this time would be tantamount to suicide!" "I understand what you're saying, but the situation I'm describing is possible. And what harm is there in giving it a try? If given the opportunity, I believe no one would refuse. For us, it's an irresistible temptation!"

"Well said. If we can develop Sakhalin Island's energy resources together with Asian Energy, it's worth paying some price. The only problem is that Asian Energy won't give us this opportunity. Look at the situation on Sakhalin Island now, with so many oil and gas fields and such huge energy reserves. Who wouldn't be tempted?"

"Alright, since you all think it's feasible, I won't say anything more. But how can we express our sincerity? If such an opportunity arises, our previous 'sincerity' is indeed insufficient, and we also need a heavyweight figure to step forward. Otherwise, there's no way we'll lose this opportunity!"

"That depends on your attitudes and what resources you can offer without affecting us. After all, energy is very important to us, and it's best to keep it in our own hands. Some less important resources can be traded, provided that you can accept them. If possible, it would be best to sit down and have a good talk with Mr. John. I still remember the time Mr. John came to Japan to discuss things, and everyone made a fortune!"

"You mean you want to invite Mr. John to Japan so we can all sit down and discuss this? Are you sure Mr. John will share the resources of Sakhalin Island with us? If so, Mitsui has no problem with that!"

"That's right, if it can be confirmed, Mitsubishi has no problem with that either!"

Soon, the Japanese conglomerates all expressed their opinions, and all of their reactions were within the expectations of the Japanese government. After all, faced with the temptation of profit, these guys were all willing to accept it. The key was how to get John to give them the opportunity, and this would come at a price!

"It would be good if you all could accept this proposal, but how to persuade Mr. John will require your efforts and a little sacrifice. The choice is up to you; we officials have no way to help you."

"No, the authorities are not without options. The financial sector in Japan is experiencing a series of defaults, which has had a significant impact on our financial system. The central bank can give new banks more opportunities. After all, we have already opened up so much, so there's no harm in expanding a bit more. Moreover, the power of oil capital and Wall Street has been eroding our resources. It's better to open up to Mr. John than to them!"

"Hiss! Are you crazy? Do you know what you're saying? This is a financial market. If we open it up further, we will be more affected. And aren't you afraid of another financial crisis that will plunge us into an even bigger crisis!"

"No, your statement is unlikely to come true in the short term. It doesn't align with the development of the financial market. After all, the Asian financial crisis has just ended. And even if Mr. John were willing to intervene, do you think the market would give him such an opportunity? We also need foreign investment to revitalize our own market. Otherwise, if it remains stagnant, our pressure will be even greater!"

While it sounds crazy, it's not impossible, and it wouldn't have a significant impact on Japan right now. John's focus is still on asset restructuring, so the impact on Japan will be minimized. However, this shouldn't be said in this setting; it would have a negative effect. Those who understand will naturally grasp the meaning, and explaining further won't help those who don't. If he truly doesn't understand, someone will naturally remind him when they get back!

"I think we can give it a try. After all, this is our home turf. So what if we ask them to increase their outlets? We've been operating here for so long, how can we let an outsider take the initiative?"

"Indeed, I also think it's feasible. However, the decision rests with you all. But this can only be our final preparation. If possible, opening up retail, even at a cost, would be better than opening up finance!"

(End of this chapter)